Tinubu Kisses Black Stone in Makkah, Enters Holy Kaaba During Umrah Visit
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has attracted attention after photographs and videos showed him kissing the sacred Black Stone, known as Hajar al-Aswad, during his visit to the Grand Mosque in Makkah, Saudi Arabia.
The Nigerian leader was also granted access to enter the Holy Kaaba, one of the most sacred sites in Islam, during the visit, which formed part of his religious journey to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Tinubu's visit to Makkah was part of his performance of Umrah, the lesser Islamic pilgrimage. He performed the religious exercise on Friday, October 30, 2026, offering prayers for Nigeria's peace, unity, stability and continued progress.
The Black Stone is located at one corner of the Kaaba inside Masjid al-Haram. It holds special significance in Islamic tradition, particularly during Tawaf, the ritual in which pilgrims circle the Kaaba seven times as part of Hajj and Umrah.
Images of the President kissing the stone have since drawn public attention, with the moment highlighting one of the important religious experiences of his visit.
Beyond performing Umrah, Tinubu and members of his delegation were given the opportunity to enter the interior of the Holy Kaaba. According to the Presidency, the access was granted by Saudi Arabia's King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
The President was led into the sacred structure by Sheikh Dahlulah Muthawal of Masjid al-Haram.
Speaking after the experience, Tinubu expressed gratitude to the Saudi authorities for the opportunity, describing it as a historic and deeply cherished spiritual moment.
He also disclosed that his prayers focused on seeking wisdom and resilience to continue serving Nigeria.
The President recalled that he had performed Umrah before the 2023 presidential election and had promised to return to express gratitude to Almighty Allah.
Members of the Nigerian delegation who accompanied him included senior government officials, governors and prominent business figures, among them BUA Group Chairman Abdulsamad Rabiu and Oando Chief Executive Officer Wale Tinubu.
The visit has attracted attention across Nigeria, particularly among Muslim faithful, following the release of photographs showing the President at the Grand Mosque and inside the Holy Kaaba.
Tinubu is expected to return to Nigeria after completing his spiritual engagement in Saudi Arabia.